Wedding Planning Information

We offer the most comprehensive wedding services, and seek to help you shape your vision of your entire wedding celebration. From planning your shower and selecting your dinner menu, to creating the perfect martini night for the bachelor party and organizing the farewell brunch, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia wedding planning team works to orchestrate a seamless series of absolutely perfect events.

Starting with choosing your ceremony and reception site, we will assist you in selecting one of our Philadelphia wedding locations, whether you prefer a formal gala in one of our ballrooms or the charming ambiance of The Exchange event space. Our wedding planner will work with you to manage and coordinate with your vendors, including musical accompaniment, floral and photography, as well as overseeing menu, linen and desert selections. Let us assist you in making your Philadelphia wedding dreams come true.

Food and Menu Selection

Your planner will work with you to select a menu that meets your needs and exceeds your guest’s expectations. You will experience a menu tasting in advance of the wedding to ensure that the presentations are all to your liking.

Based on our current banquet menus, you may expect to spend on average, $150 per person for lunch and $180 per person for dinner, both of which are exclusive of service charge and sales tax. These averages include hors d’oeuvres for your welcome reception, three-course plated meal, wedding cake, wine service with the meal, champagne toast and an open, hosted bar for the entire event, based on a moderately drinking group. Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and are guaranteed 90 days in advance. Your final menu pricing will be based on your actual selections.

Whether your reception is an intimate dinner or a lavish gathering, we offer a range of cuisines. From hors d’oeuvres and Champagne cocktails to optional stations and gourmet buffets or formal dinners with plated selections and synchronized service, all options are catered. Your wedding professional will assist you with choosing from our extensive menu. A tasting will be scheduled to help you finalize your choices.

For family and friends of the wedding party, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia will be happy to quote preferential rates for the week of the event. The rate will depend on the occupancy of the hotel at the time the room block is reserved.

To legally marry in the Philadelphia area, a couple must obtain a marriage license. The couple must apply for their license in person. The couple must wait three days before they can marry. The license is valid for 60 days. The couple must present their Social Security card along with a driver's license, birth certificate or passport.

Although The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia often fills the most popular dates as far as two years in advance. Saturday evenings typically book up first with more flexibility Friday evenings and Sundays. Contact the hotel for more information about available dates.

Planning

Deposits are based on anywhere from 15 - 20% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the rental fees for the event space reserved. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Two months prior to your event, 50% of the estimated charges are due, and the estimated final balance is due fourteen business days prior to your event.

The catering department must be notified of the exact number of guests attending a function at least 1 week prior to the start of the event. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend the function.

Create a wedding binder. Clip pictures from magazines and make notes about what you have liked at other weddings. This will help you select your flowers, cake, room décor and other special touches to make your wedding uniquely yours.

The Ritz-Carlton provides all food and beverages, tables and chairs, white table linens, silverware and glasses, a dance floor, and staging for your event. The rental of a ceremony location includes chair set-up and staging as well as rehearsal time for the ceremony. This also includes an on-site Wedding Specialist to greet and assist your guests.

The Ritz-Carlton can provide a wide range of specialty items to help you personalize your event, such as chiavari chairs, specialty linens, specialty base plates and menu cards. We can also assist you with welcome baskets, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts and a variety of other special amenities to help add that personal touch to your wedding. Costs for all items vary.